ISPs Can Now Eliminate High-Speed Transmission Systems with Long-Range Pluggable Optics at 400Gbps
February 12, 2025, Fremont, California – RtBrick today introduced support for OpenZR+ coherent optics within its disaggregated routing software at speeds of 400Gbps, eliminating the need for internet service providers (ISPs) to have separate transmission equipment between their routers. RtBrick’s new development replaces fixed systems with a small form factor, and often more power-efficient, pluggable module in an open switch that can also operate as a multiservice edge router. This breakthrough gives operators the flexibility to simplify their architecture and optimize high-speed throughputs at distances of up to 480km.
“Enabling integration and control of the pluggable optics from the routing software is a gamechanger for ISPs,” said Hannes Gredler, CTO and founder at RtBrick. “Adding this functionality at 400Gbps means many ISPs can now completely remove their transmission systems, driving down operational costs and often boosting power efficiency. This is a major step forward in building more practical, future-ready networks.”
Network disaggregation separates the hardware and software that is traditionally provided as a closed proprietary routing system, enabling operators to pick and mix different vendors and use low-cost hardware based on ‘off-the-shelf’ components. Now, using RtBrick’s disaggregated routing software, an operator can leverage ‘white-box’ switch hardware instead of traditional 400Gbps optical transmission systems, which are expensive and can have higher power consumption.
With e-waste projected to reach 74.7 million metric tons by 2030, RtBrick’s development comes at a crucial time. Bare-metal switches are compact and can be re-used and reprogrammed with alternative software to change their function, including acting as a multiservice edge router. Incorporating pluggable optics, which are more power-efficient in scalable and modular network environments, enables operators to achieve more environmentally friendly and cost-effective infrastructure.
RtBrick’s multiservice edge routing software has been deployed across a wide range of operators, from Deutsche Telekom, Europe’s largest telco, to regional ISPs such as WOBCOM, which is currently delivering business broadband services at high speeds through long-range pluggable optics in open hardware.
To explore how RtBrick is pioneering disaggregated routing, visit rtbrick.com.
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About RtBrick
RtBrick Inc. has pioneered carrier routing software that runs on off-the-shelf hardware. It has applied the same approach to networks that the huge ‘cloud-natives’ have used to build and operate their web-scale IT services. RtBrick is a privately held company, incorporated in the USA, with staff located in Europe, India and Taiwan.
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